Gracing international catwalks, high end fashion editorials and the latest MIMCO campaign, Code: Afriquette, Ajak Deng is a firmly placed favourite among the movers and shakers of the fashion world. Recently, Ajak meet with Elle South Africa to talk about her journey into the modelling industry and what it meant to represent the strong, passionate muse of our most recent campaign.

Ajak in MIMCO on the streets of New York shot by Tommy Ton for Style.com

Elle SA: How did you start modelling?

Ajak Deng: After I completed high school in 2009, I wanted to join the army but my teachers suggested other options, of which modelling was one of them. So, I gave it a go and haven’t looked back since.

Elle SA: What interested you in collaborating with MIMCO for CODE: Afriquette?

Ajak Deng: I have always been a huge fan of the brand and when they approached me about this campaign and wanted to work with me, it seemed like the perfect fit. The product is so beautiful and the team was fantastic to work with.

Ajak Deng in Code:Afriquette

Elle SA: Who is the Afriquette woman?

Ajak Deng: The Afriquette woman is strong, sexy and kind but she can still laugh at herself and knows how to have a good time.

Elle SA: The pictures from the campaign are so striking, where was the campaign shot, tell us about shoot day?

Ajak Deng: The campaign was shot in the beautifully breathtaking Cranbourne Botanical Gardens just outside of Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne weather is renowned for being very temperamental – rainy and dreary one minute, sunshine and blue skies the next. On one of our shoot days it rained out but soon enough the sun came out and that’s where you see those beautiful colours blossom.

Elle SA: Favourite item from the collection?

Ajak Deng: It’s hard to pick one as I really could have the entire store, but if I absolutely had to select my favourites from this collection, it would be the: Mechanica Circle Bag, Terrainia Hi-Top Sneakers, Newton Day Pouche and the Savanna boots.

Elle SA: Highlight of your career?

Ajak Deng: Every single modelling job I have done has been a highlight in my career in its own way.

Elle SA: Best piece of advice given to you by a woman

Ajak Deng: I met this lady in the subway in NYC and she said to me, “Marriage is like death: no one can escape it, but a career? Now that’s something you need and have to have.” I thought about this and realized, wow that is so true.

Ajak Deng for MIMCO, Shot by Christian Blanchard

Elle SA: Your personal style in 3 words?

Ajak Deng: Simple, chic and elegant.

Elle SA: Accessory you cannot live without?

Ajak Deng: My Mechanica Circle Bag. It fits everything I need and goes perfectly with my style.

Elle SA: The change you’d like to see in modelling?

Ajak Deng: I’d love to see the industry further its efforts to embrace diversity.

Elle SA: Advice for aspiring models from Africa?

Ajak Deng: Don’t ever give up. There’s room for everyone.

Shop the Code: Afriquette Campaign